Smoking Health Hazards

Smoking affects both the smoker and the people around them (passive smokers). People who smoke are more at risk of the following health problems:

• osteoporosis
• heart attack
• stroke
• cancer
• ulcers
• bronchitis
• emphysema

In addition to increased risk of health hazards, smoking also affects:

• fitness
• taste and smell
• immune system
• sex and fertility
• pregnancy and babies
• appearance

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A smoker's fitness is reduced as smoking leaves you out of breath.

A smoker's sense of taste and smell is poorer.

Smoking lowers the immune system. Smokers get sick more often and take longer to get well.

Smoking affects mens' sex and fertility by causing more abnormal sperm and a lower sperm count. Blood vessels in the penis can also be damaged by smoking and can lead to impotence. Female smokers are less fertile. In addition, smoking while taking the oral contraceptive pill dramatically increases the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Pregnant women who smoke have a higher risk of miscarriage. Babies of mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to be premature, stillborn or die shortly after birth. Children with parents who smoke get more coughs, colds, asthma and pneumonia.

Appearance is also negatively influenced by smoking. Skin becomes dry, grey and wrinkles develop earlier due to the lack of oxygen. Teeth and fingers are stained yellow because of the tar in cigarettes.

Giving up smoking would be the first step in reversing these health problems. Quitting requires some determination and planning.